The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the Centre for Experiential Learning and Innovation (CELI), has commenced a three-day capacity-building programme for teachers in the state’s Smart Green Schools.
The training, which began on Monday and is scheduled to end on Wednesday, is being supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and focuses on the use of the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP) to strengthen digital teaching and learning.
The programme is designed to equip CELI mentors and experiential learning innovators with the skills required to expand the use of the Nigerian Learning Passport across Enugu’s Smart Green Schools. It is facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with Microsoft GPE.
Speaking at the training, UNICEF Coordinator for the Nigerian Learning Passport, Harold Kpolime, described the NLP as an online learning platform designed to support teachers and learners through digital education.
He explained that the platform provides courses covering areas such as digital literacy, digital learning and the application of artificial intelligence in education.
According to Kpolime, the current programme is focused on training selected personnel who will subsequently pass the knowledge and skills gained to teachers across the Smart Green Schools.
He stressed the importance of digital competence among educators, noting that teachers must be adequately prepared to meet the demands of 21st-century education.
Also speaking, UNICEF Education Specialist at the Enugu Field Office, Believe Ekeh, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the state’s education sector.
Ekeh said the initiative was aimed at helping the Enugu State Government, through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), integrate the Nigerian Learning Passport into teaching and learning activities in the Smart Green Schools.
She noted that investment in infrastructure alone would not be sufficient without developing the skills of the personnel expected to use and manage the facilities.
Permanent Board Member of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, Ego Ajah, said the programme would enhance teachers’ digital knowledge and improve their ability to use technology in the classroom.
A Director in the Enugu State Ministry of Education, Nkem Agbo, expressed appreciation to the state government and its development partners for supporting the initiative.
One of the participants, Levi Ojinweke, described the training as an important step toward improving teaching in the Smart Green Schools.
“This is the way to go,” Ojinweke said, while commending the governor and other partners involved in the programme.
The initiative is expected to strengthen teachers’ digital capabilities and promote wider adoption of technology-driven learning across Enugu State’s Smart Green Schools.